Road Trip Planning Checklist
Plan your next road trip with a clear checklist for route planning, car prep, packing, and safety. Start with this template, then tweak it for your destinations, passengers, and how you like to travel.
Use this template
Create a checklist from this road trip template, then add, remove, or reorder items to match your route, weather, and how long you’ll be on the road.
Great for weekend getaways and long drives. Upgrade to Pro to save, reuse, and export your road trip checklist as a PDF.
Road trip planning checklist preview
Here’s an example of what your road trip planning checklist might look like. Use this as a starting point for planning your route, prepping your car, and packing essentials, then customize it for your specific trip.
Trip basics & route planning
- • Choose travel dates and confirm time off if needed
- • Map your primary route and any alternate routes
- • Estimate total driving hours per day
- • Identify key stops (sightseeing, meals, fuel, overnight stays)
- • Share your route and rough schedule with a trusted contact
Car preparation
- • Schedule an oil change and basic inspection if due
- • Check tire pressure and tread (including spare tire)
- • Top off fluids (coolant, windshield washer, brake fluid)
- • Test headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
- • Make sure your roadside assistance info is current
Safety & emergency kit
- • Jumper cables or portable jump starter
- • Tire inflator, sealant, or lug wrench (if needed)
- • First-aid kit with basic supplies
- • Flashlight with extra batteries
- • Blanket, poncho, and basic emergency clothing
- • Copies of registration, insurance, and roadside assistance numbers
Packing & clothing
- • Weather-appropriate clothing for each destination
- • Comfortable driving outfits and shoes
- • Sleepwear and extra layers (hoodie, jacket)
- • Toiletries and any medications
- • Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
Snacks, food & hydration
- • Reusable water bottles for each passenger
- • Cooler with drinks and perishable snacks (if space allows)
- • Non-perishable snacks (nuts, granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks)
- • Napkins, wet wipes, and resealable bags
- • Small trash bag for wrappers and waste
Entertainment & comfort
- • Download playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks
- • Phone mounts and chargers for navigation
- • Travel pillows and light blankets
- • Games, books, or activities for kids (if traveling with family)
- • Earbuds or headphones for passengers
Lodging & reservations
- • Confirm hotel, rental, or campsite bookings
- • Save confirmation numbers and check-in instructions
- • Note check-in and check-out times
- • Verify pet policies if traveling with animals
Why a road trip planning checklist matters
Road trips are fun, but they have a lot of moving parts: car condition, routes, weather, lodging, packing, and safety. Without a checklist, it’s easy to forget something simple — like a charger or a key document — that makes the trip more stressful than it needs to be.
A written checklist helps you prepare calmly, reduce last-minute errands, and enjoy the drive knowing you covered the basics before you left.
Pro tips for using this checklist
- • Check the weather along your route and adjust clothing and safety items accordingly.
- • Plan gas stops ahead in rural stretches where stations may be sparse.
- • Keep snacks, water, and emergency items within easy reach in the car.
- • Build in extra time for traffic, construction, and spontaneous stops.
- • Review your checklist the night before departure for any last-minute additions.
Road trip planning checklist FAQ
How far in advance should I start planning?
For short weekend trips, planning a week or two ahead is often enough. For longer multi-state or multi-day trips, many people start planning a month or more in advance so they can book lodging and schedule car maintenance in time.
Do I need a full car inspection before every trip?
Not necessarily. But if your car is due for service, has warning lights, or hasn’t had basic maintenance in a while, it’s smart to schedule a check before a long drive. At minimum, check tires, fluids, and lights yourself.
What if I’m renting a car instead of using my own?
You can still use this checklist. Skip the home maintenance items and instead make sure you understand the rental agreement, insurance coverage, and any rules about crossing state or country borders.
Can I reuse this checklist for future trips?
Yes. With NeedChecklist Pro, you can save this as your “Road Trip Planning” checklist and reuse it for future drives, adjusting it for trip length, seasons, and destinations.
Planning your next road trip?
Start with this template, then tailor the route, packing list, and safety prep so your trip feels relaxed, fun, and well-organized.
About this template
This road trip planning checklist template covers route planning, car prep, safety, packing, and comfort for the drive.
Use it as a quick starting point, then customize your list inside NeedChecklist based on your destinations, fellow travelers, and how long you’ll be on the road.
Save, edit & export with Pro
- Save this checklist and reuse it for future road trips
- Edit and refine items after each trip based on what you actually used
- Export as a clean PDF to print and check off while packing
- Share with friends or family so everyone knows what’s covered